Abstract: A haptic feedback mechanism for steering by wire system includes a motor. Electronic circuitry includes a node and switches for controlling the motor. A voltage sensor at the node and a motion sensor for the DC motor feed a motor control logic module that is operative to: determine if the voltage at the node is above a predetermined threshold; determine if the input motion is above a predetermined speed; and change the switches into an overcurrent protection mode if the voltage is above the predetermined threshold or the input motion is above the predetermined speed. In overcurrent protection mode, electrical power, generated by the input motion, passes through resistance and/or the motor to dissipate while maintaining haptic feedback. An endstop mechanism includes a position sensor coupled to the haptic feedback mechanism for detecting an angular position of the motor to increase feedback torque near an endstop of the motor.

Abstract: A tire monitoring system with mounting features on a housing provide for positioning through a wide range of angles. Accordingly, the system can be positioned on a variety of wheel rim/valve combinations. The tire monitoring apparatus includes two opposed wings provided on the housing to facilitate the range of positioning angles at which the housing can be positioned with respect to a valve base. Each opposed wing has a same exterior surface radius of curvature and the wings are clamped between a base plate and a clamp plate at the desired angle.

Abstract: A position sensing system and method for a braking assembly for a vehicle. The braking assembly includes a rotor, a caliper assembly disposed around the rotor and having a fixed mount bracket and a floating portion which moves when the brakes are applied. The position sensing system has a sensing element and a reference portion. The sensing element is attached to a location of the braking assembly such that the reference portion moves in relation to the sensing element when the floating portion moves. The sensor assembly is configured to generate a signal correlative to the relative positions of the sensing element and reference portion. The position sensing system includes a processor configured to store predetermined signatures and determine a condition of a component of the vehicle based on a match between the signal and one of the predetermined signatures.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is rotatably coupled to the second structure by means of a bearing having a rotation axis. A dipole magnet is attached to the first structure with a direction of magnetic moment perpendicular to the rotation axis and a sensing unit is attached to the second structure and configured to measure the absolute position of the dipole magnet's rotation angle. The first structure comprises an alignment characteristic which is detectable on the outside of the rotary position sensor. The dipole magnet is attached to the first structure such that the alignment characteristic and direction of the magnetic moment of the dipole magnet have a defined angle of rotation relation on the first structure.

Abstract: A test socket assembly for a semiconductor device used for burn-in testing comprising a base assembly, a floating plate coupled to the base assembly, and a latch assembly mounted on the floating plate for the retention and movement of the semiconductor device. The base assembly further includes a pin assembly for electrically coupling to the semiconductor device for burn-in testing and at least two upstanding flex arms. In addition, the floating plate and the latch assembly move to a test position for accommodating a varying height of the semiconductor device when mating with a test fixture while the latch still effectively retains the semiconductor device. Lastly, the floating plate is held in a fixed load position due to the support provided by the upstanding flex arms when inserting the semiconductor device into the test socket.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of improved communication between a wheel unit sensor and a master controller is disclosed. In this particular embodiment, the method includes determining, by the wheel unit sensor, whether a receive schedule of the wheel unit sensor indicates that a receive window has started. The method also includes in response to determining that the receive schedule indicates that the receive window has started, turning-on, by the wheel unit sensor, for the duration of the receive window, a wireless receiver of the wheel unit sensor. In this embodiment, the wireless receiver is configured to receive messages from the master controller.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor include depositing a metal layer on a substrate and fabricating a calibration structure on the metal layer. The calibration structure can include a first calibration portion and a second calibration portion. The method may further include, performing a first calibration of the sensor by modifying the first calibration portion. In addition, the method can include placing a cover layer on a portion of the first calibration portion after the first calibration and then performing a second calibration of the sensor by modifying the second calibration.

Abstract: A multi-deck circuit arrangement including a first deck circuit having a negative supply terminal and a second deck having a positive supply terminal connected to the negative supply terminal. A single power supply provides a voltage across both the first and second decks. The total power consumption will be less than the prior art of having both deck circuits conventionally regulated. The supply rail connecting the second deck's positive supply terminal to the first deck's negative supply terminal may be regulated. In one embodiment, the rail voltage can be controlled to optimize deck circuit operation for speed and power and to avoid level shifters when interfacing to other circuits.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for hybrid communication between electronic circuits is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor nodes configured to read data from one or more sensors. The system also includes a master node configured to receive periodic data transmissions from each of the plurality of sensor nodes via a primary transmission medium and a secondary transmission medium, which is different from the primary transmission medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a listening only wireless network controller in a wireless battery management system are disclosed. A primary wireless network controller (WNC) receives battery sensor data from a plurality of module monitoring systems (MMSs). A secondary WNC also receives the battery sensor data from the MMSs. The secondary WNC is listening-only, in that it does not send commands to the MMSs. The listening-only WNC may be used to collect and provide redundant data for communication integrity or enhanced data for performance and diagnostic purposes. A collection of listening-only WNCs may be used to map locations of MMSs based on signal strength.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus for strain gauge pressure sensing includes a plurality of strain gauges including a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge. The pressure sensor apparatus also includes a diaphragm coupled between the plurality of strain gauges and an object configured to apply pressure to the diaphragm. The diaphragm has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first thickness between the object and the first strain gauge. The second portion has a second thickness between the object and the second strain gauge. In an uncompressed state, the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

Abstract: A device for sensing pressure and temperature in a fluid environment includes a cover defining an interior. A thermistor tube is positioned at least partially within the interior, the thermistor tube extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. A port body is also positioned at least partially within the interior, the port body forming a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis for receiving a fluid from the fluid environment. A diaphragm is affixed within the port body. The diaphragm has a first surface exposed to the fluid within the channel and a second surface sealed from the channel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coil with improved insulation properties at high temperatures. A bobbin is insulated by a thin ceramic composite layer that is produced by winding a glass or ceramic fiber over the support structure and impregnating it with a pre-ceramic polymer. The pre-ceramic polymer is then modified to form a ceramic SiO2 matrix around the fibrous layer. The ceramic matrix secures the glass or ceramic fibers in place and produces a dense layer. A ceramic coated magnet wire is then wound around the insulated support structure. The magnet wire is a conductor that is spiral-wrapped with a glass fiber impregnated with a pre-ceramic polymer.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a primary module in wireless communication with a plurality of sensing, or secondary, modules over a range of frequencies within a predetermined frequency band. Each of the primary module and the sensing modules can be configured to transmit with an antenna polarization setting chosen from a plurality of polarization settings. Each of the sensing modules is configured to communicate with the primary with a predetermined one of its polarization settings for each channel. The primary module is also configured to communicate with a respective secondary module with a predetermined polarization setting for each channel.

Abstract: A method of determining an orientation of a tire mounted device with respect to a wheel rim using an acceleration sensor. With the wheel in a designated orientation and not rotating, a polarity of acceleration along a vertical axis is determined. Then it is determined which of a first absolute orientation or a second absolute orientation the tire mounted device is in depending on the determined polarity. The determined absolute orientation is correlated with the designated orientation to determine which of a first or second orientation with respect to the wheel rim the tire mounted device is in.

Abstract: A TPMS module includes a sensor body with two arcuate surfaces adjacent the opening. A tire valve includes two arcuate portions and a distal portion. A plurality of gripping teeth are disposed on the valve arcuate portions. The valve distal portion is provided in the sensor body opening and arranged such that the valve arcuate portions couple to the sensor body arcuate surfaces. The valve is coupled to the sensor body by the interaction of a seat and a grommet such that the gripping teeth interact with the sensor body arcuate surfaces to maintain an orientation of the valve with respect to the sensor body.

Abstract: A haptic feedback mechanism for steering by wire system includes a motor. Electronic circuitry includes a node and switches for controlling the motor. A voltage sensor at the node and a motion sensor for the DC motor feed a motor control logic module that is operative to: determine if the voltage at the node is above a predetermined threshold; determine if the input motion is above a predetermined speed; and change the switches into an overcurrent protection mode if the voltage is above the predetermined threshold or the input motion is above the predetermined speed. In overcurrent protection mode, electrical power, generated by the input motion, passes through resistance and/or the motor to dissipate while maintaining haptic feedback. An endstop mechanism includes a position sensor coupled to the haptic feedback mechanism for detecting an angular position of the motor to increase feedback torque near an endstop of the motor.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed for improving for the stability of a resistance temperature detector (RTD). In this particular embodiment, the apparatus includes an RTD having a case surrounding a resistive meander deposited on a substrate. The RTD also includes a pull-down resistor. A first end of the resistive meander is configured for coupling to a positive power supply. The second end of the resistive meander is coupled to a first end of the pull-down resistor. The second end of the pull-down resistor is coupled to a ground. The case of the RTD is also coupled to the ground.

Abstract: A test socket assembly for a semiconductor device used for burn-in testing comprising a base assembly, a floating plate coupled to the base assembly, and a latch assembly mounted on the floating plate for the retention and movement of the semiconductor device. The base assembly further includes a pin assembly for electrically coupling to the semiconductor device for burn-in testing and at least two upstanding flex arms. In addition, the floating plate and the latch assembly move to a test position for accommodating a varying height of the semiconductor device when mating with a test fixture while the latch still effectively retains the semiconductor device. Lastly, the floating plate is held in a fixed load position due to the support provided by the upstanding flex arms when inserting the semiconductor device into the test socket.

Abstract: An analog discrete current mode negative feedback amplifier circuit for use with a micro-fused strain gauge is disclosed. The amplifier circuit includes a Wheatstone bridge coupled to a first power supply and a second power supply. The first power supply and the second power supply can be configured such that the periodically alternate between two voltage levels. The Wheatstone bridge can be coupled to a negative feedback amplifier circuit with common mode detection. The amplifier circuit can comprise a differential amplifier with a negative feedback configuration coupled to a common mode amplifier. In addition, the output of each of the amplifiers can be coupled to a common-mode amplifier. In a pressure sensing application, the output of the common mode amplifier serves to output the temperature while the differential amplifiers serve to output the pressure.